Loggerhead turtle nest-protection cage, Sarigerme Beach, Turkey
Breeding female turtles haul themselves up this and other Turkish Mediterranean beaches at night during the summer months. They excavate a pit in the sand, into which they deposit some 50 to 200 eggs, and then cover them with sand. The hatchlings are nidifugous -- they are able to survive independently from birth without any parental assistance. They instinctively dig themselves out of their pit and make for the sea. Thus the cage covering the nest location is open to the seaward side.
Cages and information boards also encourage public awareness of the need to protect our environment and these beautiful creatures.
Beaches are out of bounds at night in summer; dogs are not permitted in case they dig up the eggs or predate the hatchlings.
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Loggerhead turtle nest-protection cage, Sarigerme Beach, Turkey
Breeding female turtles haul themselves up this and other Turkish Mediterranean beaches at night during the summer months. They excavate a pit in the sand, into which they deposit some 50 to 200 eggs, and then cover them with sand. The hatchlings are nidifugous -- they are able to survive independently from birth without any parental assistance. They instinctively dig themselves out of their pit and make for the sea. Thus the cage covering the nest location is open to the seaward side.
Cages and information boards also encourage public awareness of the need to protect our environment and these beautiful creatures.
Beaches are out of bounds at night in summer; dogs are not permitted in case they dig up the eggs or predate the hatchlings.
230613 024